Is Thailand Ideal for Trekking & Hiking? Best Trekking Spots in Thailand
Have you ever hiked in Thailand? This is a must-do experience when visiting the Land of Smiles. Thailand boasts majestic scenery and extensive hiking trails suitable for both experienced and novice hikers. The country's topography features grand mountainscapes in the north and lush rainforests in the south. In this guide, I'll highlight some of the best hiking spots across Thailand and provide essential preparation tips and the best times to go trekking. Join me as we explore Thailand’s rich hiking landscape!
Written by Preetika Narula (Local Expert)
Updated on Nov 05, 2024
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At 29 years old, Preetika is an enthusiastic explorer deeply connected to Thailand, Laos and Cambodia's rich heritage. As a Bangkoker, her local insights and experiences imbue authenticity into her narratives. She discovers solace within the pages of a book as much as amidst Southern Asian vibrant landscapes and bustling street markets. With an ardent passion for travel and a profound affection for literature, Preetika effortlessly integrates her personal adventures into captivating stories, providing a perspective uniquely rooted in local experience.
1. Chiang Rai - Lum Nam Kok National Park & Phu Chi Fa
Located 3.5 hours from Chiang Mai and 1-1.5 hours by car from Chiang Rai, Lum Nam Kok National Park is a must-visit for enthusiastic hikers and curious minds. The park offers thrilling trails with uphill climbs and beautiful sights.
Popular Trails:
Doi Mae Salong: This 6-kilometer trail offers a cultural experience through tea plantations and Akha and Lisu hill tribe villages, surrounded by stunning mountain views.
Doi Phatang: A more challenging 8-kilometer trail, it provides panoramic views of Laos and the Mekong River, offering both physical exertion and cultural insights.
Opening Hours: 6:00 AM - 6:00 PM daily.
Entrance Fees:
Foreigners: 200 THB for adults, 100 THB for children.
Thai citizens: 40 THB for adults, 20 THB for children.
Lum Nam Kok National Park
Phu Chi Fah is one of the most famous and beautiful places for trekking in Chiang Rai. It is a mountainous area and national park located in Toeng County in Chiang Rai. Phu Chi Fah is famous for its spectacular views of the sea of mist just before dawn.
Phu Chi Fah is one of the most famous and beautiful places for trekking in Chiang Rai
2. Chiang Mai - Doi Inthanon National Park
Home to Thailand's highest peak, Doi Inthanon stands at 2,565 meters above sea level, offering breathtaking scenery. The park is accessible by car, taking roughly 2 hours from Chiang Mai. The diverse flora, fauna, and the Karen and Hmong hill tribes make it a captivating destination.
Popular Trails:
An Ka Luang Nature Trail: A short 360-meter walk showcasing the park's natural landscapes and diverse bird species.
Kew Mae Pan Nature Trail: Perfect for stunning Instagram photos, this circular trail reaches a viewpoint at 2,200 meters above sea level, surrounded by rhododendron blossoms.
Mae Ya Waterfall Trail: Discover Thailand's highest waterfall, cascading down a 250-meter cliff, along this winding path.
Opening Hours: 6:00 AM - 6:00 PM daily.
Entrance Fees:
Foreigners: 300 THB for adults, 150 THB for children.
Thai citizens: 50 THB for adults, 20 THB for children.
Doi Inthanon, Thailand's Highest Mountain
3. Mae Hong Son - Mae Sariang
Located 4-5 hours from Chiang Mai by car, Mae Hong Son's Mae Sariang area offers a unique blend of cultural insights and relaxation. The region feels like a journey back in time, straight out of a postcard.
Popular Trail:
Mae Sariang to Mae Sam Laep Trail: This 12-kilometer trail takes you through lush forests, rice fields, and Karen villages, offering a glimpse into local life and views of the Salween River.
Opening Hours: Open year-round, best during the cooler months (November to February).
Best Time to Visit: November to February.
Trekking in Mae Hong Son takes you off the beaten track
One of my favorite places to visit, Khao Phanom Bencha National Park is a hiker's paradise with its trails, waterfalls, forests, and wildlife. It's just a 1-hour ride from Krabi town.
Popular Trails:
Huai To Waterfall Trail: This 3-kilometer trail is slightly challenging but manageable, leading to a stunning five-tiered waterfall with crystal-clear pools perfect for swimming. I loved picnicking near the waterfall and listening to the birds chirping.
Khao Phanom Bencha Summit Trail: For a challenge, this 10-kilometer trail takes you through the forest to the summit, offering breathtaking panoramic views of Krabi and the Andaman Sea.
Opening Hours: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM daily
Entrance Fees:
Foreigners: 200 THB for adults, 100 THB for children.
Thai citizens: 40 THB for adults, 20 THB for children.
Khao Phanom Bencha National Park is a hiker's paradise with its trails, waterfalls, forests, and wildlife
2. Surat Thani - Khao Sok National Park
Home to one of the world’s oldest rainforests, Khao Sok National Park feels like a fairytale with its limestone mountains, hidden caves, and diverse wildlife. It's about a 2-hour drive from Surat Thani.
Popular Trails:
Rafflesia Trail: This 4-kilometer trail, named after the world’s largest flower, offers a slightly challenging journey. To see the flower bloom, visit between November and January. I missed it, but it’s definitely something to plan for.
Ton Kloi Waterfall Trail: This 7-kilometer trail winds through bamboo groves and dense rainforest, leading to the serene Ton Kloi Waterfall. During my visit, I was lucky to see gibbons swinging through the trees.
Opening Hours: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM daily
Entrance Fees:
Foreigners: 300 THB for adults, 150 THB for children.
Thai citizens: 40 THB for adults, 20 THB for children.
Khao Phra Thaeo National Park in Phuket is a paradise for nature lovers, featuring lush plants, refreshing waterfalls, and diverse wildlife. It's a 30 to 40-minute drive from Phuket Town.
Popular Trails:
Ton Sai Waterfall Trail: This 2-kilometer trail is suitable for a simple to moderately challenging walk. The shaded path is ideal for families. I enjoyed swimming in the waterfall pool, which was consistently invigorating.
Bang Pae Waterfall Trail: A 600-meter trail through thick woods leading to Bang Pae Waterfall, the largest on Phuket Island. This spot is popular for picnicking and swimming. My visit was delightful, with a brief walk followed by a refreshing swim in the chilly waterfall pool.
Opening Hours: 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM daily
Entrance Fees:
Foreigners: 200 THB for adults, 100 THB for children.
Thai citizens: 20 THB for adults, 10 THB for children.
Top Must-Visit Trekking Destinations in Central Region
1. Kanchanaburi - Erawan National Park
Erawan National Park is renowned for the stunning Erawan Waterfall with its seven levels, offering beautiful scenery and excitement. The park is about a 1.5-hour drive from Kanchanaburi Town.
Popular Trail:
Erawan Waterfall Trail: This 2-kilometer trail winds through the seven levels of Erawan Waterfall, each with clear blue water and perfect swimming spots. My favorite part was the highest level, where I soaked in the beauty of the blue waters and the soothing sound of the cascading waterfall.
Opening Hours: 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM daily
Entrance Fees:
Foreigners: 300 THB for adults, 150 THB for children.
Thai citizens: 100 THB for adults, 50 THB for children.
Thailand's largest national park, Kaeng Krachan, is a fantastic spot for trekking, with superb wildlife and landscapes. It's about a 1.5 to 2-hour drive from Phetchaburi Town.
Popular Trail:
Panoen Thung Mountain Trail: This 5-kilometer trail is perfect for those seeking a challenge, offering stunning views and opportunities to spot unique wildlife like hornbills and gibbons. The journey to the top is difficult but worth it. Seeing a hornbill in person, with its colorful beak against the lush surroundings, was truly thrilling.
Opening Hours: 6:00 AM - 6:00 PM daily
Entrance Fees:
Foreigners: 300 THB for adults, 150 THB for children.
Thai citizens: 100 THB for adults, 50 THB for children.
Kaeng Krachan National Park houses superb wildlife and landscapes
3. Loei - Phu Kradueng National Park
Phu Kradueng is a popular hiking destination among locals, known for its challenging climb, beautiful pine trees, stunning views, and peaceful waterfalls. It takes about 1.5 hours to drive to the park from Loei.
Popular Trail:
Phu Kradueng Summit Trail: This tough path leads to the top, offering sights of fir trees, breathtaking views, and serene waterfalls. Reaching the summit and bonding with other hikers created a sense of fulfillment, making the journey worthwhile.
Opening Hours: 6:00 AM - 3:00 PM daily (closed during the rainy season, June to September)
Entrance Fees:
Foreigners: 400 THB for adults, 200 THB for children.
Thai citizens: 40 THB for adults, 20 THB for children.
Thap Lan National Park, part of the UNESCO-recognized Dong Phayayen-Khao Yai Forest Complex, features diverse landscapes, including dense green forests and arid dipterocarp woodlands. It's about a 3-hour drive from Nakhon Ratchasima.
Popular Trail:
Siam Tulip Trail: Best explored in spring when the Siam tulips are in full bloom, this moderate trail offers a stunning display of pink and purple hues. Trekking through during the blooming period was a spectacular experience.
Opening Hours: 6:00 AM - 6:00 PM daily
Entrance Fees:
Foreigners: 200 THB for adults, 100 THB for children.
Thai citizens: 40 THB for adults, 20 THB for children.
Pha Taem National Park is notable for its prehistoric rock paintings, offering a unique hiking experience. The trails lead you past cliffs with ancient artwork and provide stunning views of the Mekong River. It's about a 2-hour car ride from Ubon Ratchathani.
Popular Trail:
Rock Art Trail: This mild trail takes you past various ancient rock drawings on cliffs above the Mekong River. Walking along these historic routes made me feel connected to the past and the traditions of those who came before us.
Opening Hours: 6:00 AM - 6:00 PM daily
Entrance Fees:
Foreigners: 200 THB for adults, 100 THB for children.
Thai citizens: 40 THB for adults, 20 THB for children.
These diverse hiking options offer something for everyone, from easy trails through serene forests to challenging treks leading to breathtaking summits.
Thailand experiences different seasons and temperatures across its regions, so it's essential to plan your hiking trip accordingly. Here’s a guide to the ideal travel times for each region.
Northern Region:
Ideal Time: November to February. These months are peak season in Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai, offering vibrant, lush forests post-monsoon without the heavy rains.
Average Temperature: 15°C to 25°C, varying with the month and altitude.
Southern Region:
Ideal Time: November to April. Regions like Krabi, Surat Thani, and the southern islands are free from monsoon hazards, making them perfect for trekking.
Average Temperature: 24°C to 32°C. April is the hottest month, so consider combining hiking with island hopping or beach days.
Central Region:
Ideal Time: November to February. Kanchanaburi and Nakhon Nayok are beautiful during these months with comfortable weather for both light strolls and strenuous hikes.
Average Temperature: 20°C to 30°C, ideal for experiencing waterfalls and rainforests in their full glory.
Isan Region:
Ideal Time: November to February. This is the chilly season for the Isan region, with pleasant weather in places like Loei and Ubon Ratchathani.
Average Temperature: 15°C to 28°C. A light jacket may be needed, but clear skies and cool weather make for perfect hiking conditions.
Plan Your Trip Wisely
You might need a light jacket as you navigate this region's distinctive landscapes, but a chilly day with clear skies above sounds like paradise, doesn’t it? To get the most out of your trekking experience in Thailand, plan your trip around these ideal times. Enjoy the natural beauty of each region at its best by avoiding the monsoon season and extreme temperatures. Happy trekking!
Thailand offers incredible hiking trails, but proper preparation is key for an enjoyable experience. Here are some tips to help you prepare:
Appropriate Footwear: Invest in sturdy sneakers for short hikes or well-constructed hiking boots like the Salomon X Ultra 3 GTX or Merrell Moab 2 Mid Waterproof for challenging trails. Proper footwear ensures strong support and ankle safety.
Clothes and Accessories: Wear lightweight, breathable clothes like sports shirts. For colder months, pack layers such as a lightweight jacket. Brands like Under Armour and Columbia offer good options. Consider polarized sunglasses and a hat for sun protection.
Hydration and Nutrition: Carry hydration packs like CamelBak for 1-2 liters of water. Bring protein bars and electrolytes like Gatorade powder or Nuun Hydration Tablets to stay nourished and hydrated.
First Aid Kit: Pack a basic first aid kit with mosquito repellent, painkillers, band-aids, antiseptic wipes, and any necessary medications. Include a list of emergency contacts.
Navigation Tools: Bring maps, use your phone's map application, or invest in a GPS unit like the Garmin eTrex 32x.
Important Tips for Backpacking in Thailand
Always inform others of your travel plans and hiking itinerary. Staying connected ensures your safety and peace of mind for those worried about you.
Conclusion
This concludes our guide into Trekking in Thailand. We hope you have amassed enough information to ensure you have a pleasurable trip around the country. Whether you choose to see the beautiful and majestic mountain landscapes in the Northern region, or opt for lush rainforests in the Southern region, I’m sure you will have a splendid time. Just be safe, follow the rules of each trek and be respectful of nature. Happy Hiking!
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